Veggie Month is celebrated in March in the U.K. every year. No, this is not a time to start judging yourself for eating more meat than you eat plants. This is a time to appreciate vegetables and the wonders they do to promote healthy living. Vegetables have a variety of health benefits ranging from helping to maintain a healthy weight to the prevention of heart diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. They also help prevent cancers. What veggies do for your skin cannot go without mentioning also. They are a must in every person’s diet!
History of Veggie Month
Vegetables, also known as veggies, are as old as time. They are parts of plants that are consumed by humans, or other animals, as food. Vegetables were originally collected from the wild but entered cultivation in several parts of the world during the period 10,000 — 7,000 B.C. This move has had a ripple effect that led to international trade with vegetables. According to research, China is the largest producer of vegetables in the world.
In the early days of agriculture, forest gardening was employed. It was a system in a tropical jungle where useful plant species were identified and encouraged to grow while undesirable species were removed. This was followed by plant breeding through the selection of strains with desirable traits such as large fruit and vigorous growth.
For a long time, vegetables have been seen as healthy food and they will continue to be so. This is why we see so many people opting for veggie-rich diets, as encouraged by many nutritionists. They encourage eating larger portions of veggies. Vegetables can be eaten either raw or cooked and play an important role in human nutrition. Veggies are mostly low in fat and carbohydrates, but high in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Veggie Month timeline
People around the world start growing crops for food.
The word ‘vegetable’ is first used in English and is derived from the Latin word ‘vegetabilis.’
A vegetable is established as a plant grown for food as opposed to being used to describe all plants.
‘Veggie’ as a slang word is first used.
Veggie Month FAQs
Is a tomato a fruit or vegetable?
Tomato is a fruit, botanically! All fruits have a single seed or many seeds and grow from the flower of a plant — which tomatoes do.
What is the difference between a vegan and a vegetarian?
A vegan stays away from eggs and dairy products, alongside not eating animal products. A vegetarian eats eggs and dairy but does not eat meat.
What is the U.K.’s national vegetable?
The garden pea. It grows easily throughout Britain.
Veggie Month Activities
Learn how to make veggie recipes
Be it the internet or taking a veggie-based cooking class, learning to make veggie recipes with others is surely a good way to celebrate Veggie Month. Invite your friends and family over for a tasting.
Plant some veggies in your backyard
Why celebrate a month and go back to square one when you can celebrate Veggie Month all year round? Start by planting some veggies in your garden. It does wonders for your health, trust us!
Join in a veggie challenge
What is more fun than doing something challenging? Doing something challenging with other people! Join in on a veggie challenge and you will be counting down the days for next year’s Veggie Month.
5 Must-Have Foods In Your Refrigerator
Fruits
Fruits such as apples, grapes, berries, and pears last a long time in your fridge and are good for snacking.
Herbs
Fresh herbs such as cilantro, parsley, thyme, and sage, add flavor and freshness to any recipe you will make.
Dates and dried fruit
Keeping dried fruit in your fridge such as raisins, dried figs, dried apricots, currants, or cranberries, comes in handy, especially for baking.
Plant-based milk
Plant-based milk like almond, soy, rice, cashew, hemp, or rice milk are great for any dish that requires a creamy texture.
Vegetables
Veggies such as carrots, celery, beets, and bell peppers have a better shelf life than other vegetables.
Why We Love Veggie Month
It reminds us to take care of our environment
Celebrating Veggie Month serves as a reminder for us to take care of our environment. Afforestation plays a huge part in caring for our future
It promotes healthy living
Veggie Month promotes healthy living as it reminds us to take care of our bodies. Junk food tastes good, but veggies are best for your body.
It educates people
Veggie Month stands to educate people on the power of vegetables. Veggies include potassium, dietary fiber, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin C. These all work wonders for the body.
Veggie Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | March 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | March 1 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | March 1 | Thursday |
| 2030 | March 1 | Friday |
